United States (USA) Connected Cars Market Overview, 2029

Connected cars refer to vehicles equipped with internet connectivity and wireless technology that enable communication with other devices, networks, and infrastructure. These vehicles offer a wide range of features and services, enhancing safety, convenience, and entertainment for drivers and passengers. The USA represents one of the largest markets for connected cars globally. The connected car journey began in the late 1990s with basic telematics features like OnStar in General Motors vehicles. Early adopters were luxury car segments, offering features like remote unlocking and roadside assistance. The 2000s saw the rise of GPS navigation, hands-free calling, and Bluetooth connectivity, slowly trickling down to mainstream models. The 2010s witnessed a significant leap with smartphone integration, infotainment systems, and the emergence of app stores, marking the shift towards a more digital driving experience. Today, we stand at the cusp of advanced connectivity features like V2X communication, ADAS integration, and cloud-based services, paving the way for the future of autonomous driving. Culturally, there is a notable shift towards personalization, with consumers seeking customizable experiences in their connected car features. Safety remains a paramount concern, leading to increased adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, there's a growing demand for convenience and entertainment, evident in features such as in-car Wi-Fi, streaming services, and voice-controlled assistants, enhancing comfort during commutes. The subscription model is also on the rise, offering consumers flexible options for accessing connected car features, thus fostering greater choice and affordability.

According to the research report "United States of America Connected Cars Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the United States connected cars market is expected to grow with more than 12% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Regulatory mandates drive safety features while autonomous vehicle development attracts investment. Automakers utilize connected car data to enhance vehicle design and personalize services. Challenges include high technology costs hindering adoption in affordable vehicles, alongside consumer concerns over data privacy demanding robust security measures. Standardization issues and the need for reliable 5G infrastructure limit interoperability and overall market growth. Moreover, cybersecurity threats pose vulnerabilities requiring comprehensive solutions as connected cars become more prevalent.

The USA's connected car market benefits from significant support and innovation showcased in various industry events. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), cutting-edge connected car technologies and solutions take the spotlight, while the Mobile World Congress (MWC) highlights the role of mobile communication technologies within connected vehicles. The Telematics Update Conference delves into industry-specific discussions on telematics applications, data insights, and market trends, complemented by the SAE International World Congress covering automotive engineering advancements, including those in connected car technologies. Additionally, the Connected Vehicle Innovation Summit anticipates the future of connected cars, exploring regulations, technology, and evolving business model.

In terms of technology, 4G/LTE currently leads due to its established infrastructure and cost-effectiveness, catering to basic connectivity needs such as navigation and infotainment. 3G faces a decline owing to limited bandwidth and aging technology, primarily utilized in older vehicles. On the horizon, 5G emerges as a promising technology, offering high speeds and low latency, thus enabling advanced features like real-time traffic updates and remote diagnostics, especially in premium vehicle segments. Connectivity solutions are segmented into integrated, embedded, and tethered options. Integrated solutions, embedded directly into the vehicle by OEMs, dominate newer models for their seamless connectivity, while embedded systems provide flexibility albeit with additional hardware costs.

Tethered solutions, connecting via smartphones or external devices, offer cost-effectiveness but less integration. The application segment includes driver assistance, safety features, infotainment, telematics, fleet management, mobility management, and emerging applications, each catering to distinct consumer needs such as safety, entertainment, and operational efficiency. Finally, the end market segment comprises OEMs and aftermarket providers, with OEMs leading through integrated solutions and pre-installed features, while the aftermarket sector gains significance for retrofitting older vehicles with affordable connected car technology.



In the USA, the policy and regulatory landscape for connected cars is shaped by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), emphasizing safety standards and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Data privacy is addressed through the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act, while cybersecurity measures follow the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and NHTSA Cybersecurity Best Practices. Spectrum allocation and connectivity standards are managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with standards developed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Certification and testing procedures, including FCC equipment certification, SAE International standards, and NHTSA testing, ensure compliance with industry-wide standards, particularly focusing on safety and autonomy features.

In order to optimize their position in the dynamic US connected car market, automakers (OEMs) should prioritize data-driven customer segmentation to tailor features and packages, offer tiered subscription services for varied consumer needs, invest in partnerships with V2X infrastructure providers for enhanced functionality, and develop features with clear value propositions beyond safety. Technology companies can focus on edge computing and AI solutions for improved performance and personalized experiences, offer cybersecurity expertise as a service to address industry concerns, and develop open-source platforms to foster innovation. These recommendations aim to guide market players towards maximizing customer satisfaction, innovation, and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving landscape of connected vehicles in the United States.